Corneal template set

Abstract

A template set for use in corneal size measurement. The templates take the form of identical thin and flexible blades rounded at one end, and are arranged in a stack in parallel planes. The blades are pivotally coupled together adjacent their opposite ends by a pivot pin which extends through the whole stack. The pivot pin allows individual blades to be pivoted out of the stack for use. Each blade has a circular opening adjacent the rounded end of the blade and the openings are graduated in size in predetermined increments from one end of the stack to the other. Each blade is also visibly marked to indicate the size of the opening.

I claim: 
     
       1. A device for use in corneal size measurement comprising: a set of individual templates each in the form of a relatively thin and flexible blade of transparent, sterilizable plastic material, the blade having first and second ends and being formed with a sharply defined circular opening extending through the blade adjacent said first end thereof, the blade being rounded in elevation and smooth at said first end so as to present a substantially non-injurious surface to the cornea in use;   said blades being of substantially identical overall size and external shape and being arranged in a stack in which the blades are disposed in parallel planes with their respective second ends superimposed and coupled together by a common pivot pin which extends through the stack while allowing individual pivotal movement of each blade about said pin with respect to the other blades;   the openings in the respective blades being of graduated size in predetermined increments from one end of the stack to the other and each blade being visibly marked to indicate the size of the opening in that blade.   
     
     
       2. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said said set comprises at least 25 blades. 
     
     
       3. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said openings are graduated in increments of 0.25 mm. in a range of from 10 to 15.75 mm. diameter. 
     
     
       4. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein each blade has an overall length of 5 cm., a width of 1.9 cm. and has a radius of 1 cm. at its said outer end. 
     
     
       5. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said openings are spaced from the respective first ends of the blades by a distance in the range 2-5 mm. 
     
     
       6. A device for use in corneal size measurement comprising: a set of at least 25 individual templates each in the form of a relatively thin and flexible elongate plastic blade having first and second ends and being formed with a circular opening extending through the blade adjacent said first end thereof, the blade being rounded in elevation and smooth at said first end so as to present a substantially non-injurious surface to the cornea in use;   said blades being of substantially identical overall size and external shape and being arranged in a stack in which the blades are disposed in parallel planes with their respective second ends superimposed and coupled together by a pivot pin which extends through the stack while allowing individual pivotal movement of each blade about said pin with respect to the other blades;   the openings in the respective blades being of graduated size in increments of 0.25 mm. from one end of the stack of the other commencing with a minimum size of 10 mm. diameter, and each blade being visibly marked to indicate the size of the opening in that blade.